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Angel the Series: Beginnings

Here we go again. And so begins another long form examination of a series that some of you are only mildly aware exists. Angel the Series was a spin off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer starting in 1999. Wow, just typing that makes my childhood feel very, very far away.

There is sometimes a question in the Buffy-verse fandom of how best to watch and understand Angel. From what I understand the best way to do it is to watch them side by side once Angel spins off into his own series. I, of course, didn’t do that. I waited until finishing Buffy (around June of last year) before starting to tackle Angel.

Angel is a completely separate beast to Buffy (in more ways than one). It is oft-times darker and more sinister, but also arguably more diverse in a multitude of ways. In Angel, as there was in Buffy, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. But to start off, let’s focus on the awesome. Here are some of my favorite moments, characters, and relationships of the series.

Character crossover — The reappearance and the back and forth between the shows that I understand much more now. Darla and Drusilla in the current timeline and in flashbacks. Andrew’s reappearance on Angel in Season 5.

The Hotel — Especially once Lorn moves in. I love the set itself almost as much as I love the idea of the hotel. There can be episodes like “The Price” which takes place nearly entirely within the hotel in locations we’ve never seen before.

Angel/Cordy — Angel and Cordelia right before they failed to become a couple is one of the most heartbreakingly awesome things ever. They were so close, and I was so enjoying the ride right up to “Tomorrow”.

Character Growth — Cordy’s character growth from a vapid, wannabe actress to a fantastically flawed character who wants things that aren’t reasonable, but you’re rooting for anyway. Not to mention how much Westley changes, and getting to see Harmony come back (and giving Mercades McNab title billing at the end of the final season).

In Jokes — If a caveman and an astronaut get in a fight who would win? This question is going on my list of first date questions. It’s currently the only one on the list. Even if he doesn’t get the reference it makes for a good conversation.

Phantom Dennis — The fact that he exists is practically my favorite. Also, the shots of Angel and Wesley dancing in a later episode absolutely made my day.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Angel the Series, similar to how I posted about Buffy (series starts here). I can’t wait to hear what you guys have to say about it. Tell me, have you ever seen Angel? What are your favorite parts of it? Leave it in the comments.